Our Community, Our Voice
Stop and smell the chocolate: Boehm’s has history, family, and the best confections around!
Carrying on the legacy of Julius Boehm, Bernard Garbusjuk has owned and operated Boehm’s Candies for over 35 years. Bernard and Julius’ similar experiences immigrating to the United States from Europe united them in a special bond. Bernard earned the special recipes of Boehm’s confections, and grew to love the unique history and charm that makes Boehm’s Candies the attraction that it is today.
Bernard also underwent extensive culinary training in Germany. After working as Julius’ assistant, Bernard became head candy maker, running the daily production. To this day, as owner of Boehm’s Candies, he continues to work closely with the candy makers, developing new confections and jumping back into the kitchen as a candy maker when needed.
This year marks Bernard’s 50th year at Boehm’s!
Truly a place of tradition, Bernard’s daughter, and son, Narissa and Tyson, are learning the company just as he did – from the ground up. Even most of the staff have been with the company for over 15 years. Bernard is now passing this legacy on to his children, Tyson and Narissa, who are learning the company just as he did – from the ground up.
Narissa started working there at 14 and is marked with nostalgia. Today, the family owns the company, but is active in day-to-day operations. Boehm’s offers more than 100 confections, produced by master candy makers. Everything from American favorites such as caramels, English toffee, and peanut brittle, to European specialties like Mozart Kugeln, marzipan, and Cordial Cherries are made to the highest standards.
“I helped since I was a little girl for a combined 18 years. My brother, Tyson, is also in the business. We are so involved that I feel I live there sometimes!” said Narissa.
If you see regulars there, it is because it’s the go-to for locals, as well as visitors from afar. One visitor said, “Very friendly place – the clerk let us just buy a few and they were outstanding – she even suggested we try the bakery down the street – high quality chocolate and reasonable prices – this one is a do again!!!
Boehm’s has donated to local organizations and causes, employed over 1,000 Issaquah area youth, and hosted events such as the Issaquah Chamber’s Chocolate, Wine, and All That Jazz. For more history, click here. https://boehmscandies.com/about/
Reviews:
Yummy and yes please can I have seconds! So fun to walk around or get a tasty treat! My husband and I were there on our anniversary.
“Staff is extremely friendly & the quality of their chocolate is unmatched!”
“Love this place! Freshly made chocolates, chocolate dipped ice cream bars, in addition to some cute giftware items. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Brought home some bars and boxed chocolates. Very tasty! If time permits, their Issaquah location offers classes in making chocolates, a tour of the “factory”, the house the founder, Julius Boehm, lived in and a replica of a 12th century Swiss chapel. Looking forward to my next visit to Issaquah and another stop at Boehm’s chocolates.”
Julius examines the Olympic torch he once carried for the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany.
Julius adding butter and other ingredients to a cream filling.
The chapel can be seen today during guided tours (reservations required).
Today, we offer over 100 confections, produced by master candy makers. Everything from American favorites such as caramels, English toffee, and peanut brittle, to European specialties like Mozart Kugeln, marzipan, and Cordial Cherries are made to the highest standards.
Our history and heritage set forth by Julius Boehm run true to this day. We invite you to stop by the Edelweiss Chalet in the foothills of Issaquah, take in the old-world charm, and taste some of the finest chocolate confections ever crafted.